Watch where you're going,
you silly cow!
Jesus Christ.
Welcome to London,
Dr. Slaughter...
and to the Institute for Middle
Eastern Strategic Studies.
Dr. Slaughter has
a Ph.D. from Harvard...
and comes to us after
3 years fieldwork in China.
Now, I don't have
to remind you...
how important it is
for our institute...
to maintain its
special relationship...
with the Arab world.
We're dependent upon
its good will...
and its generosity...
for the funding of all
our research projects.
So think of yourselves
as ambassadors...
bridge builders...
friends.
You owe me the money,
Nigel, and I want it.
Ask me nicely, then.
Why should I?
We bought the house together.
Everything is in
the lawyer's hands.
The divorce papers
are going through.
Nigel, I have to pay my rent.
If you can't afford it,
get something smaller.
Smaller?
It's a bed-sitter, Nigel.
It makes our place in Peking
look like a palace.
You used to say
your surroundings...
didn't matter
as long as I was around.
Did I? Well,
I must have been in love.
Don't worry.
It won't happen again.
Julian, I know it's very
un-British to ask this...
but how do you manage?
Manage?
On $150 a week.
You mean you're living
on your Institute salary?
What are you living on?
My father has a small
merchant bank, actually.
Well, bully for you.
What about the rest of us?
Grants, scholarships.
Lauren, it's considered
to be a good job.
Julian, where I come from...
a good job is a job
that pays well.
Why don't you apply for
the Kuwait field trip?
What's that?
Well, every year
the Kuwaitis select...
someone from the Institute
to do field research for them.
First-class travel,
limitless expenses...
and a little extra money.
Sounds too good to be true.
Why haven't you applied?
I have.
Last week's car bombing
of yet another...
Libyan exile in London,
Halfif Hassan...
has underlined
the dangerous mood...
of the unpredictable
Arab leader.
Because of the rising tide
of terrorist violence...
Lord Bulbeck,
Britain's leading expert...
on Middle Eastern affairs,
has stepped up his contacts...
among the moderate Arab states.
Lord Bulbeck,
the international lawyer...
has been asked by
the Prime Minister...
and several
interested parties...
to come in as an impartial
negotiator and observer.
Lindsay!
-Lindsay, come here!
-What is it now?
This place is really
falling apart.
Calm down, Lauren. Ill fix it.
Lindsay, that will only hold
until my next shower.
You know, I do this twice a day.
Why don't you just call
a goddamn plumber...
and really fix it?
No money for a plumber,
and you owe me two weeks rent.
You bloodsucker, Lindsay.
You could hock that video.
And you, Doctor,
you could hock your ass.
Just call the plumber,
Lindsay...
or you'll have another
Notting Hill riot on your hands.
A white one!
You didn't touch your quail.
l don't eat dead animals.
Do you eat them alive,
Dr. Slaughter?
Im a vegetarian.
I guessed as much.
I don't smoke, either.
What do you do, Mr. Van Arkady?
Oh, Im one of these
boring bankers.
Anglo-Arab Investment Trust.
All those boring petrodollars.
What do you do?
Obviously, you're not a banker.
Right now, Im lobbying
like hell...
to get on a field trip
to Kuwait--
care of the Middle
Eastern Institute.
That's where I work.
Im impressed.
Don't be. We're only
paid $150 a week.
-That's not much.
-No.
If there's anything I can do--
that's what bankers are for.
China? Now,
that really scares me.
Nine hundred million people
breeding like rabbits.
You're wrong, Lady Newhouse.
What do you mean, Im wrong?
There are over a billion now.
That's official.
You're both wrong.
There are only
2 people in China...
and I know both of them.
2 people in China? I love it.
OK. If there are
2 people in China...
how many are there in the world?
There are 5,000 people
in the world.
That's it--5,000.
And I suppose, Mr. Van Arkady,
that you've met them all.
Five thousand?
That's all that counts?
What about
the starving millions?
A million isn't a number
in any real sense.
There's murder in nature.
Millions are dying right now--
starved, bombed, in camps.
Nobody gives a damn.
You may deplore it,
but it's a fact.
Those 5,000--who are they?
How many of them are...British?
Forty-five.
-German?
-Sixty.
African?
None, and more Arabs
than you might think...
but they're all here in London.
I suppose the rest are American.
And naturally, Mr. Van Arkady,
you're one of the 5,000.
Bien entendu.
Tell me, how many are women?
-Interested, aren't we?
-Very.
Well, since we're on
the subject of women...
shall we go and have our coffee?
Im going to miss you.
Im not going anywhere.
You don't understand.
You're being summoned.
Ladies to the loo
and baby talk...
whilst we men pass the port
and smoke cigars.
That sucks.
That's London, my dear.
Julian, have you heard anything
from the Kuwait Embassy?
They keep giving me
the run-around.
-About the field trip?
-Yeah.
It hasn't been decided yet.
About that Kuwait trip...
shouldn't I write and
confirm your travel dates?
I suppose, yes.
I didn't know it was so soon.
Well, just draft a letter,
and Ill sign it.
Well...
Good news.
-Good night, Lauren.
-Good night, Julian.
Dr. Slaughter.
This came for you.
Special delivery.
Thank you.
This young woman
earns $200 an hour.
Her takings for a single week...
might be several
thousand pounds.
She is one of a growing
number of young women...
who work in London's
newest industry...
the escort service...
grossing several million pounds
monthly, most of it tax-free.
The Jasmine Agency
has been operating...
for 3 years from their
offices on Pont Street.
It dispatches dozens of girls...
to wealthy customers
all over London...
every night of the year.
Do you take credit cards?
What's that shit
you're watching?
I don't believe this.
He has been a mercenary
in the Congo...
Sounds like it's pretty funny.
More than you think.
This is Madame Cybele.
Her last known employer was
the Hotel Bristol, Beirut...
though her duties there
were somewhat obscure.
Oh, no.
Lindsay!
Get out--get out of the way!
I was expecting to get there...
...was sentenced to 6
years for manslaughter...
and 2 years for
disposing of the body.
What can I get you, Love?
Nothing. Lindsay,
I can't take it anymore.
You've got to fix that shower.
Why should I fix the shower?
Its your shower, too.
You fix it.
Lord Bulbeck, well-known
international jurist...
whose services have
been used before...
was a surprise visitor
to number 10...
But I don't have any money.
I mean, I don't have any money.
But you've got this ritzy job
at some institution.
Institute. Ritzy, my ass.
Look at this.
''The Future of Opec,
by General Sir George Newhouse.''
-I wrote this article.
-It don't say that.
He took my piece,
he changed 3 lines...
and he put his name on it.
Look, man, at least you're
getting paid for all of that.
But they don't pay anything.
What?
You mean, you're doing
all of that for nothing?
Maybe you're not
so smart after all.
Hello, Id like to speak
to Mr. Hugo Van Arkady, please.
Who's calling, please?
This is Dr. Lauren Slaughter...
of the Middle Eastern Institute
for Strategic Studies.
Just a minute, please.
-Yes.
-Hi.
This is Lauren Slaughter.
Dr. Slaughter.
We met the other night
at General Newhouse's.
Yes, the vegetarian.
I remember very well.
How are you?
Im fine, thank you.
Actually, I was just wondering--
you mentioned the other night...
that you might
be able to help me.
-You need a loan?
-Yes.
Have you tried your local bank?
No. I thought you said that--
If he turns you down,
give me a call...
and we'll talk about it
over dinner or...
maybe a quiet lunch
in the country.
Or even a weekend.
No, thank you, Mr. Van Arkady.
Ill manage.
By the way,
did you send me a tape?
A tape? Why on earth
should I send you a tape?
No reason. Thank you.
This young woman
earns $200 an hour.
Her takings for a single week...
might be several
thousand pounds.
She is one of a growing
number of young women...
who work in London's
newest industry...
the escort service...
grossing several million pounds
monthly, most of it tax-free.
The men are lonely, you keep
them company. That's it.
That's why
it's not prostitution.
Prostitution is
lowering yourself...
but this is
just the opposite.
Escort agencies--
the thing l like
about it--no hassle.
Good night.
Is this your taxi, General?
Yes. Can I offer you a lift?
Im going to Kensington.
Its on my way. Thank you.
That was a terrific paper
of yours in The Spectator.
Ah. Well, I had some
very good raw material.
But not good enough to warrant
a field trip to Kuwait.
You're a woman in a hurry.
No more than any man, General.
She reminds me of...you know,
that great Australian girl.
You're absolutely right,
but she can't go out like this.
Men expect something sexier.
Quelque chose qui fait bander.
If you're thinking
of tits in a tight dress...
you have a pretty
stereotyped idea...
of what this job requires.
Is that so? Up to you.
Here's the drill.
We'll keep track of
your appointments, pay you cash.
But once you accept the job,
you go out with the guy...
even he has halitosis
and a triple chin.
-And afterwards?
-The sky's the limit.
We don't want to know.
Dinner's OK.
For the rest...
Ill see how l feel.
Of course, you'll be
using a pseudonym.
No. Ill use my own name.
That's highly irregular.
Im not ashamed of what
I do, Captain Twilley.
Perhaps she might be
available...film Americain.
Good idea.
A big film producer--
Floren Farvenstein from L.A.
Most of our clients
are regulars.
You must look your best.
Ill dazzle him with my wit.
The bodies of 3
Iranian students...
were found today in a cellar...
in a disused tenement
building near Brands Hatch.
The Iranians, believed to be
members of the Hezbollah...
had been missing
for several weeks...
...to disperse a mob
of rampaging youths...
who earlier overturned
a police van and set it on fire.
Police are still
searching for a man...
who claimed in
an anonymous telephone call...
that he would blow up
Brixton Underground Station...
if his friends were not
released by midnight.
Good evening, madam.
-Thank you.
-Thank you very much, Love.
Vous parlez chinois, vraiment?
C'est merveilleux.
J'aimerais tellement
passer la nuit avec vous.
-C'est $300.
-C'est beaucoup.
Take it or leave it.
Raw fish very good.
Very health-giving.
What was that with the waiter?
I say you very good-looking.
I thought I heard
a reference to money.
You speak Japanese?
Im not on the menu,
Mr. Matsushita.
I decide what I do
after dinner...
and in your case, it's no.
Definitely no. Eai.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Excuse me, madam.
Your name, please?
Slaughter.
Thank you, madam.
Yes?
You're from the Jasmine Agency?
Appearances can be deceptive.
Don't worry.
Im naked underneath.
Hi. Im Lauren Slaughter.
An American. How exotic.
Im Sam Weller.
Nice to meet you.
Give me your things.
Sam Weller, huh?
-Dickens, isn't it?
-Yes.
''The Pickwick Papers''?
What made you pick
a cockney character...
as a pseudonym...Lord Bulbeck?
You know my real name?
I see you on the box, actually.
Would you like a drink
before we go to dinner?
Im drinking Chablis.
Perrier and a slice
of lemon, please.
When did you stop being
a radical, Lord Bulbeck?
I like to think l still am.
That's my father.
He was injured
in the General Strike in 1926.
He taught you
trade union organization.
The practical side of it.
That was my wife.
She was killed in an accident.
I know...in Turkey.
You seem to know a lot about me.
I was in China when
you were putting together...
the Hong Kong settlement.
As a tourist?
I was writing my doctorate
on the Chinese economy.
Oh, really? An intellectual.
What was it like
for you over there?
Infuriating.
Fascinating.
I don't know, everything after
China seems...anticlimactic.
Did you get to know
many Chinese?
A few.
The Chinese weren't
really encouraged...
to have Western friends.
We were considered...
spiritual pollutants.
Spiritual pollutants.
I had a Chinese lover
for a while.
Oh? Is that allowed?
Not really.
This is crazy.
An escort agency sends me
out on a date...
and I end up talking
to Lord Bulbeck about...China.
Why don't you call me Sam?
Where did you learn to do that?
I can't stand helpless men
who can't cook...
but you can treat it
as a form of courtship.
OK.
Tell me about
your Chinese lover.
Chinguay?
Chinguay was considered
a dissident poet.
I used to sneak him
into my dorm room...
and put blankets up
over the windows...
and we'd stay up all night
arguing about T.S. Eliot.
Can I ask you a question?
Why does somebody like you...
go to the Jasmine Agency?
We men are stuck with
the courtship ritual...
and I just don't
have the time for it.
I was going to ask you
the same question.
I need the money...
and I happen to like
uncomplicated sex.
A lot of women
need the money, but--
A lot of women like
uncomplicated sex. May I?
How long have you
been doing this?
Oh, about a couple of weeks.
You're the first person Ive
been able to talk to, actually.
And you're going to do it again
on a regular basis?
Well, I haven't done
too badly tonight.
My dear, you should be
very, very careful.
You mean diseases and maniacs?
Don't worry.
I found a gynaecologist
who teaches karate.
I was referring to something
completely different.
-You're from Kuwait?
-Mm-hmm.
Im Dr. Slaughter.
I was supposed to do research
in your country...
but Im afraid
it didn't work out.
-Ah, the field trip.
-Yes.
You must allow our government
to invite you next time.
Yes, of course.
It would be our honour.
Thank you.
You know, I was very impressed
by your statement...
at the last Opec conference.
Thank you.
But Im afraid it didn't
please too many people.
Well, the Saudis are very
sensitive about production cuts.
I didn't expect to see you here.
Just getting to know
our Arab friends better.
Which particular hat
are you wearing tonight?
Oh, you don't need to tell me.
You're supposed to be
with the wog...
in the dishcloth over there.
You see, I knew
she would be here.
This is Lauren, a dear friend.
They're very generous.
Have a nice evening.
You're from Kuwait.
Im a great admirer
of your social services there.
They're a model for
the rest of the Gulf.
And you--you're a model girl.
Having fun in the Arab
world, are we?
The famous Dr. Slaughter from...
The Middle Eastern Institute.
Not the Jasmine Institute?
You know the word
for ''jasmine'' in my country?
Yasmina.
Beautiful, isn't it?
What is your country?
I have no country.
I see. You're a Palestinian.
Let me introduce
Hugo Van Arkady.
Of the Anglo-Arab
Investment Trust.
Good to see you again.
I see you already know
my good friend Karim Hatami.
Also an investment banker?
How do I describe Karim?
He's a kind of...consultant.
I put rich people together
and make them richer.
Ah, a fixer.
Is he one of your 5,000?
Who knows? Excuse me.
Its too crowded here.
But Im with the--
He won't mind. He works for me.
Ive been wanting to meet
the beautiful Dr. Slaughter...
for a long time.
Not only is she beautiful...
but I am told she is very smart
and very talented.
I am smart, I am beautiful,
I am talented?
Aren't you rather overdoing it?
Typical Arab overkill.
Well, Im not complaining.
What do you really do?
I ran a magazine in Beirut once.
And now?
Like Arkady said,
I put people together.
Why, are they falling apart?
That's an old
Marx Brothers joke.
Are you a film freak, too?
I spend my life at the movies.
Well, you must have
a lot of time on your hands.
I am an Arab playboy.
Don't I look like one?
Well, you're not
a bit like the sheik...
in John Huston's
''Beat the Devil.''
The one who tells Robert Morley,
''No, one look is...''
''Not enough.''
Oh, Id love to see that again.
Well, by a strange coincidence,
I happen to have it on tape.
Am I supposed to say,
''Your place or mine?''
No. These days you say,
''Betamax or VHS?''
No, one look is not enough.
If you think we're the enemies
of your country...
the logical thing
is to boot us out.
How much did you find out
about the girl, Haldane?
Student activist,
but a very independent lady.
Quarrelled with
the faculty, the SDS.
Married briefly to
a British expert on China...
who's pretty left-wing.
Not on our ''K'' list, though.
Never has been.
What does that mean?
It means she's
totally apolitical.
Did good fieldwork in China.
Got a Ph.D. at Harvard
in post-Mao economics.
Oh, yeah. She nearly got
kicked out of China.
Called the American ambassador
there a sexist asshole.
Why is she working at
the Middle Eastern Institute...
for $150 a week?
She's one of those kooky Yanks
who likes living abroad.
So she's not working for anyone.
That's right. As far as
we're concerned, she's clean.
Thank you, Haldane. Good-bye.
Bye.
Come in.
You counting your money, Doc?
Yeah...so I can buy
my ticket out of here.
Well, before you pack
your bags...
how about spending
some of it at the races?
Why not? I like horses.
This is not horses.
This is greyhounds.
The order of finish
for the second race...
What are these men doing?
They're indicating the odds.
How do they get
their information?
I wish I knew.
Its like a ballet.
That's nothing.
Wait till the show starts.
-Bill.
-Yeah?
Let's go down
and see the action.
Great.
You also want to size them up.
I just want to see them race.
Bets first.
Dr. Slaughter?
Yes. This is indeed a pleasure.
-Is it?
-Yes.
Id like you to meet an old
friend of mine--Bill Rafferty.
-Hello.
-Pleasure.
This is my friend Lindsay.
Lord Bulbeck.
-Hello.
-Hello.
So you're an American.
Where are you from?
Originally,
Evanston, Illinois...
but now I live in
Notting Hill Gate.
Notting Hill Gate?
Isn't that where they had
some riots a while back?
That wasn't a riot, man.
That was the carnival.
Sometimes it becomes a riot.
Say, where can I place
a bet around here?
Over here. Come.
I want to put some
money on number 4.
Not number 4, man. Number 5.
How's it going?
Things could be better.
I know. I read the papers.
So that's ''the''
William Rafferty, eh?
Yes.
I was showing him
the real London of my youth.
My father owned part
of a greyhound once.
A lot of doctors did.
I remember coming here
when I was 8.
''Let us go then, you and I...''
''When the evening is spread
out against the sky.''
What about the others?
What others?
Him.
Harry.
You'll make your
own way home, sir?
Yes. Good night.
Its a sensational scheme, Sam,
but it's risky as hell.
The Arabs trust Sam...
because he's delivered
the goods in the past,
and he's always dealt
fairly with the Israelis.
Its still asking a lot
to expect both sides...
to accept a permanent
peace settlement.
The timing's right.
Everyone's sick of
the Beirut mess...
and wants a breather.
No calls, Dutch.
So a peace treaty's on the cards
for the very first time.
You pull this one off,
they're going to have...
to give you the Nobel Prize.
HMG, don't think
you can do it on your own.
Its too dangerous.
The vested interests
lined up against you...
are pretty formidable, Sam.
And you're making it
easy for them.
Rafferty told me
about the dog races--
dismissing the bodyguard,
trailing around with that woman.
I call that
irresponsible behaviour.
Don't forget,
it's because Im on my own...
that I stand a chance.
lf my friends feel
that Im just a front...
for you chaps,
you can forget the whole thing.
OK. Tell us what you need.
I want you to lay on
a safe house...
but I want the Arabs
to sweep it for bugs themselves.
That's highly irregular.
That's how it's going to be.
When's all this
supposed to happen?
September the 5th.
That's my birthday.
Well, then we'll have
two reasons to celebrate.
Hopefully.
Hello.
Good evening.
Hello, Bulbeck.
You remember Alan?
Yeah. Hello, Alan.
Aren't you concerned
about your public image?
You mean, going out
with escort girls?
l couldn't care less.
Besides, we're not
living in the fifties.
So there's no such thing
as...sexual blackmail?
No. That went out
with the Cold War.
Are you sure?
You probably had me
checked out anyway.
I didn't find
the play convincing.
The ending didn't work.
How long was his wife
locked up for, anyway?
He had her put away
for the rest of her life.
Jesus. Let's hear it
for marriage.
They did horrible things
to women in those days.
Those days? They still do.
The men I see
don't want a woman.
They want an object.
I mean, literally,
they want me to be a thing.
Really?
Yeah.
''Stand very still,'' they say.
They want me to be a pillow...
or a table...
or a pet rabbit.
I mean, it's ridiculous.
You just can't imagine all
the things they want me to do.
Oh, yes, I can.
Another perfect score.
Ill meet you in the restaurant.
All right. Are you going
to stay for lunch, Will?
No. I think Ill leave
you two young people alone.
Is she OK, Sam?
You mean, can I trust her?
Of course not.
Never trust a woman.
Sam. Smoking is stupid.
Why do you do it?
My father smoked all his life,
and he died in his sleep...
at the age of 83.
What do you do
if your dates smoke?
I charge them double.
What sort of people
are they, anyway?
Rich people. What do you care?
No, Im interested.
You weirdo. What's your sign?
Virgo.
Me, too.
We're incompatible.
Seriously, though...
why do you do it?
Don't you think it's rather...
perverse?
Its extremely perverse.
Look who's talking.
You met me through
the Jasmine Agency.
Well, that's different.
Why is that different?
What are you getting
so moralistic about...
all of a sudden?
Don't put walls around me, Sam.
China was full of walls.
Im sick to death of them.
Id think if anyone
could understand...
what I was doing,
it would be you.
Well, I think you're doing
damage to yourself.
Why is it damaging to me
and not to you?
I provide a service, you use it.
Im not making a life out of it.
Of course you're not.
You're much too busy.
You're much too important.
Escort agencies were made
for people like you, Sam.
Quickies. No hassles.
No emotional wear and tear.
The Chinese have concubines.
Lord Bulbeck has me.
Gonbey. Its Chinese for cheers.
Who said, ''Cigarette me''?
Jack Lemmon in ''Front Page.''
Who wrote ''They Drive By Night?''
A. I. Bezzerides.
He also wrote ''Kiss Me Deadly.''
You're really good.
Karim, Ive got to go.
Ive got to get home.
God, it's great to have
a shower that works.
Hand me a towel, will you?
Id give anything for a place
in Central London.
Halfway between me
and the Institute?
No. Halfway between
your world and mine.
I thought you were
looking for a place.
Well, I am.
But even if you have the money,
it's just not that easy.
Ive been looking for weeks.
I have the perfect place.
You do?
Here.
Here?
Yes. Im giving it up.
Ive just taken
a house in the Boltons.
It has an office.
Im sure the landlord
has somebody lined up.
He's a friend of mine.
He needs someone reliable
like you--an academic.
When he hears that
you're a Ph.D., he will flip.
You can afford it.
Its not that much.
And Ill let you
keep the furniture.
Karim, why are you
being so nice to me?
You don't really like
the sex all that much.
You don't want
a serious relationship.
So why this?
Why me?
Come on, Lauren.
Don't be like all those
complicated American girls.
I like you. You're a friend.
In my country,
friendship is everything.
I left the rent money
in the room, Lindsay.
Id take you where
you want to go...
but this sneaky, son-of-a-bitch
engine just won't start.
Take care, OK?
Thanks.
-Did you double-check?
-Yes, sir.
How long will you want
the safe house for?
Well, I want everyone
to stay there...
until we've worked out a draft
treaty to show the Israelis.
And you really believe
you can get...
a positive israeli response?
Probably not, but the Arabs
have promised to stick around...
till they get
an israeli reaction.
I mean, they'll meet
there and then...
with anyone that the Israelis
send to negotiate.
-Face to face?
-Hello.
Who's calling, please?
Oh, Lauren Slaughter.
-Tell her Im out.
-Im sorry. Lord Bulbeck is out.
Would you care
to leave a message?
No.
Yes?
How's my star performer?
Twilley. What a surprise.
Ever since that Arab reception,
you've been in real demand.
Really? You've made my day.
There's a nice English boy--
called 3 times today.
I told him you'd be
at the Ritz this afternoon.
What if I don't go?
You'll ruin my reputation...
and yours.
What have you got
that makes you so popular?
Something you don't have--
brains.
It doesn't take brains
to get fucked.
Proportion of real estate...
and fast return
consumer investment...
has been such as to make
almost no ripple...
in Western financial capitals.
But in my view,
the West could absorb...
at least twice the current
rate of petrodollars...
without any serious danger.
And finally, there's the myth
so widely held over here...
that petrodollars
have failed to reach...
the underdeveloped countries
of the Third World.
In this instance, the failure
is one of communication...
not of intention.
Uninformed public opinion,
a biased media...
and the atavistic fears
of a Western culture...
that regards all Arabs
as potential enemies...
have done the rest.
So what are these
friends of yours like?
Very ''Tattler''
and ''Country Life.''
A bit hard to take sometimes,
but I hope you'll like them.
-Please, allow me.
-No, I got it. Thank you.
Sir, Ill take that.
-Rex!
-Maura.
This must be the lovely Julia.
Im not. Does that mean
I have to go home?
Id like to introduce
Dr. Slaughter.
Hi. You can call me Lauren.
Id much rather call you
Dr. Slaughter...
if you don't mind.
Slaughter is
a most unusual name.
It sounds like something
in Trollope.
I always like a little trollop
in bed before l go to sleep.
-Who said that?
-l think it was old Harold.
Hello. Im Lauren Slaughter.
How do you do?
Americans wear the most
extraordinary things...
on their feet, don't they?
Felipe will show you
to your room.
I can hardly wait.
Yes, I thought your dress
looked absolutely lovely.
Really beautiful.
This is Dr. Slaughter.
She seems to be totally
preoccupied with our cat.
She's a friend of Rex.
Dr. Slaughter, this is Sidney
and Alan Platts-Williams.
How do you do?
Can't think what's keeping him.
If he's much longer,
Felipe will have a tantrum...
and the lamb will be ruined.
Dr. Slaughter is new to London.
And where does she live?
Dr. Slaughter lives
in Half Moon Street.
Isnt it simply crawling
with Arabs and call girls?
Yes. Its also very close
to the Middle Eastern Institute.
I have a fellowship there.
That's the organization that's
financed by all those wog banks.
Hugh Shuttle's boy--
what's his name?
Julian. Doesn't he work there?
The one who couldn't
get into the F.O.?
I know Julian.
What's everyone
doing this summer?
Bumps has got his boat
in Saint-Tropez.
Such a bore, those people.
He can't control
his crew at all.
He goes where they want.
That sounds like him now.
And then there's lbiza,
but Im always saying...
to George we're
getting far too old.
Those luscious,
topless teenagers...
make me feel such a frump.
Have you been to lbiza?
Sorry Im late, everyone.
I decided to make a speech.
-Hello, Rex.
-Hello, sir.
Sam, Id like to
introduce Dr. Slaughter.
Very pleased to meet you,
my dear.
-Oh, the famous Lord Bulbeck.
-Shall we go in?
Im here with someone else.
You should've called
the Jasmine Agency.
Twilley could have
found you a date.
Very funny.
I called you,
but apparently you were out.
I was unavailable.
What does that mean?
-Good night.
-Good night.
I get it. This is a setup.
Really?
Unfortunately, I can't get
hold of you any other way.
Oh, yes.
Ill come by later.
Ill tuck you in,
and Ill explain everything.
They put me in
the fucking maid's room.
-Oh, dear.
-Ill come to you.
All right.
That was a very roundabout way
of getting me into bed.
Very roundabout and very safe.
It would be so much easier
in Half Moon Street.
My dear, Im a security risk
even coming here.
You're killing yourself
with that stuff.
That's the least of my worries.
I suppose you've been going
to bed with lots of men.
I haven't been in bed
with anyone for weeks.
You're joking.
On a table, on a chair,
on an exercise bike...
in the bathroom,
but almost never in bed.
What's it like
on an exercise bike?
Imagination fails me.
Well, they watch mostly.
-Sometimes they take pictures.
-And in the bathroom?
Someone was shaving me.
-It doesn't look as if--
-I only let him trim it.
-What was he? A hairdresser?
-You don't really want to know.
-Were you scared?
-No.
Im always in control.
-Am I turning you on again?
-Yes.
Look at the garbage
these people eat.
Their colons must be a mess.
Sam.
Yes?
You know,
I don't usually like...
spending the night
with someone...
but I like it with you.
Do you often get nice,
young Rex to cover for you?
Well, he's very devoted to me...
but Ive never asked him
anything like that before, no.
I apologize for last night.
People were beastly to you.
Yes, they were.
This whole country house
scene is a drag.
-Sam.
-Yeah?
Let's get the fuck out of here.
Without telling my friends?
Just like that?
You call these assholes friends?
All right. Let's go.
I think you'll need these, sir.
Wait a minute.
That's not Bulbeck in the Rolls.
Christ! We lost him.
There's something
we have to discuss, Sam.
Security.
That's Haldane's baby.
They mean you, Lord Bulbeck.
Why should anyone go after me?
They asked me in.
Not everyone wants
this meeting to happen.
This is hardly the place
to talk about it.
Milord, messieurs?
Claret--anything
that goes with duck.
Lord Blueback always
has a bottle...
of Santenay '79 with his duck.
Sam, he's waiting
for you to decide.
Oh, yeah, that will be fine,
Rene, if there's any left.
I always keep a bottle
for Lord Blueback.
He'll get my name right one day.
Sam, Ive never seen you drink
Perrier and lime before.
Im also thinking of
becoming a vegetarian.
Well, it's 2:30 a.m. and our
guest tonight is Frank Trebor.
Now, Frank, after
your third divorce...
you're now a bachelor again.
How does it feel?
Miserable.
I just feel miserable.
Hi. This is 750-0360.
Im out right now,
but if you'll leave a message...
Ill get back to you
as soon as I can.
Lord Bulbeck.
You know this charming lady?
She speaks our language
perfectly.
She has many talents,
Ambassador.
Excuse me, Mr. Ambassador.
There are some people over here
who would like to meet you.
-Well?
-Well, what?
-How did it end the other night?
-What night?
The Connaught Grill 2 days ago.
Awfully young, wasn't he,
to have to go to an agency?
You weren't in at 3:00 a.m.
That was you who called
all those times...
and never left a message?
How much did you charge,
or was his charm sufficient?
Its none of
your business, is it?
Mr. Van Arkady.
-Hello.
-How nice to see you.
-Lord Bulbeck.
-Hello, Hugo.
I hear your conference
the other day...
was a terrific success.
She's putting new life into
the Middle Eastern Institute.
An amazing performance.
I want to hear all about it.
Excuse us, Hugo.
Mr. Van Arkady,
nice to meet you.
What do you think you're doing?
Is he one of your clients, too?
Who's that tall girl
with Lord Bulbeck?
Haven't you heard?
He hires them by the hour.
Past the museum, turn left...
then you go down to the end
and you'll find it, all right?
How totally
out of character, Sam.
Im touched.
I take it peace
has been declared.
An honourable truce.
Let's go somewhere next weekend.
-Its my birthday.
-I know.
Virgo. So it's on, OK?
No Mauras, no Rexes,
no Raffertys...
no bodyguard, just us?
Dr. Slaughter,
you just got yourself a deal.
Hello, Sam? Hi.
Ive got everything, so where
are you going to pick me up?
Ive been trying
to reach you all day.
Something's come up.
The weekend's off.
Its a last-minute thing
I have, really.
I suppose Ill read about it
in the newspapers.
Oh, I certainly hope not.
Listen, Ill be back on Monday.
Why don't we have a quiet
birthday dinner together--
just the two of us?
-You mean, Half Moon Street?
-Where else?
Alone?
That was the general idea.
I can't wait.
Hi. This is 750-0360.
Im out right now,
but if you'll leave a message...
Ill get back to you
as soon as l can.
Hi, this is Sam.
There's been a hitch. Im sorry.
Im on my way to catch a plane.
I have to be
in Geneva next week.
There's a lovely hotel
on the lake nearby.
Sam!
Rex will arrange everything.
Hello?
Happy birthday, Lauren.
I thought you people
didn't drink.
Well, this Arab does.
And may the coming year
fulfil all our expectations.
I almost forgot.
A little something
for your birthday.
Karim.
A memento of your new life.
A token of our friendship.
A half moon. Oh, it's lovely.
May I?
How thoughtful.
And here is to your Geneva trip.
How did you know
I was going to Geneva?
''Chateau des Contes
D'Artois on Lake Geneva.''
This is yours, isn't it?
''Squash, tennis, a health spa.''
Trying to lose weight,
Dr. Slaughter?
And here is to your Geneva trip.
How did you know
I was going to Geneva?
''Chateau des Contes
D'Artois on Lake Geneva.''
You have to put
real punch into that swing.
Gilbert Sonval.
My friends call me Sonny.
Maybe you should
take some lessons.
-I hate lessons.
-Here, let me show you.
Excusez-moi, Madame Weller.
You are wanted on the phone.
Thank you. Ill be right back.
Sam?
Im still in Geneva,
but Ill be late.
How late?
Ill try and sneak out
tomorrow afternoon.
So, dinner tomorrow night?
You better be here.
You have my word.
OK.
How about some lunch?
No, thanks. Im pooped.
Im just going to go back
to my room and...have an apple.
Do you have two apples?
Thanks for the lesson.
Who is it?
-That's for you.
-Thank you.
Now you have two apples.
Bon soir!
Any messages?
I don't think so, madame.
Oh, Im sorry.
Monsieur Weller called.
Thank you.
-Hi.
-Hi.
Hey.
If you're interested, there are
a couple of apples left.
You know, Sonny,
Ive never had one before.
But some women
never have one, ever.
I mean a spinal massage.
That's enough, thanks.
Would you get me
a towel, please?
Sonny, let's have dinner
later, OK? About 8:30.
-Can you ring 21, please?
-Twenty-one?
But he checked out
two hours ago, Madame Weller.
Thank you.
And Dr. Slaughter's article
will be published...
next month in ''The Spectator.''
Now, to the diary.
We've got two guest speakers
next week--
His Excellency
the Jordanian ambassador...
and Monsieur Poinson
of France...
who's going to talk about Chad.
Well, that about
wraps it up for now...
unless anybody's got
anything to add or raise.
Where's Dr. Slaughter's office?
Im afraid she's in
the conference room.
Thank you.
But you can't go in there.
I want a word
with Dr. Slaughter.
Its all right, Georgie.
Excuse me.
That's perfectly all right,
Lord Bulbeck.
-What the fuck is this?
-Temper, temper.
Let go of me, you creep!
Bonjour, Lord Bulbeck.
Ravi de vous voir, Excellence.
Why didn't you return my call?
Because I didn't
want to see you.
Why didn't you call me?
Geneva was so close.
Why didn't you come and see me?
I wanted to.
It just wasn't possible.
I know. ''Something came up.''
Well, same here. l got laid.
Well, Im not surprised.
You know what? It was fantastic.
In a bathroom being shaved
with people watching?
That really turns you on,
doesn't it?
Yes.
OK. Half Moon Street.
-I can't.
-Why not?
-Security.
-Bullshit.
So that's the famous
exercise bike.
Do you want me on the bicycle?
No.
In the bedroom.
Like lovers.
Its my birthday tomorrow.
I know. Virgo.
Let's celebrate. Right here.
Ill make dinner.
Ill even bake a cake.
I missed your birthday.
I think I should
be here for mine.
Im so glad
you finally came here.
This place is special.
You're special.
Got a nice one for you tomorrow.
He's been very generous
in the past.
Sorry, Captain.
I have plans of my own tomorrow.
Business or pleasure?
Its personal.
And it's none of
your business, is it?
It wouldn't take you long.
I said Im busy.
Too bad.
Im through, Twilley.
For good.
Hello?
Hello?
Damn.
Who is it?
Flowers for Dr. Slaughter.
Oh, great.
Well, surprise, surprise.
lf it isn't Sonny,
the terror of the squash courts.
Are you the date l turned down,
or is this just a coincidence?
I came to apologize.
I felt very badly, about
the way I was forced to leave--
not even saying good-bye.
It was a sudden
emergency, you know?
Ive been thinking about you
a great deal, Dr. Slaughter.
How did you know my real name?
How did you find me?
You're quite famous
in certain circles.
Oh, really? Well,
that's very nice, honey boy...
but Im very busy
right now, so...
thank you for the flowers
and the apologies...
and now you are on your way.
OK.
You're going to kill me,
aren't you?
-Morning.
-Good morning.
-Good flight?
-Fine, thanks.
The Jordanians will use
our helicopter, sir.
The others are coming by road.
-What about the neighbours?
-What neighbours?
No wonder we never get to see
your budget estimates.
What are you waiting for?
Yes, this place is perfect.
I take it they'll be making
their own radio arrangements?
There's a report just in.
They tried to kill Hafiz Ali...
as he was taking
the plane in Damascus.
-He's unhurt.
-Is he still coming?
-He's on his way.
-You think they're onto it?
Highly unlikely.
Just a coincidence?
I don't think so.
I have to go to the bathroom.
I suppose you'd want to watch.
-Leave the door open.
-Look.
You think I can get
through there?
Come on. Close the door.
OK.
Merde!
What dancer played across
from Judy Garland...
in ''For Me and My Gal''?
Karim.
What's the matter?
-He tried to kill me.
-There, there, there, there.
Who?
Police, please.
Hold the line
and Ill connect you.
Sit down.
Please.
I don't understand.
You were useful.
I was useful?
You sent that videotape?
Van Arkady thought
it might interest you.
Van Arkady?
When Van Arkady saw you
at the General's party...
he realized you were perfect.
Imagine the headlines--
''Lord Bulbeck found dead
in love nest with call girl.''
Oh, my God.
You're going to kill Sam.
Killing two birds
with one stone--
the man and his reputation.
What if I hadn't...worked out?
We would have found
someone else.
London is full
of people like you.
That's why it's so easy for us.
Us? Who's us?
The 5,000.
Big day tomorrow, sir.
Yes. Wish me luck.
-Good luck, sir.
-Thank you.
And...happy birthday, sir.
Well, thank you, Rex.
Let him in.
Open the door.
Open the door.
Sam, he's going to kill you!
Is she all right?
She's fine. Just fine.
-Was she involved?
-She didn't know a thing.
Where is Lord Bulbeck?
Outside.
He's perfectly all right.
Did he know about this?
You've been under surveillance--
both of you--for some time.
They're leaving the building.
Stand by with ambulance.
Lauren.
You all right?
I didn't know a thing...
till just now.
Phase 3 completed.
Stand by for further orders.
Im truly sorry.
Just stay still, miss.
You'll be all right.
Trying to save my life again?
You're incorrigible,
Dr. Slaughter.
Vtg